World-class art: the Sprengel Museum

Opened in 1979, the Sprengel Museum is one of Germany's major centres of 20th century art.

At the core of the museum is the collection of Dr Bernhard Sprengel, who specialised in the fields of German expressionism and French modernism. Over the last 20 years, this has been extended to cover the key periods of contemporary art – from Schwitters to Saint Phalle. In addition to the impressive permanent collection, this vibrant forum for art and science also hosts around 25 temporary exhibitions every year.

Horticultural design at its very best: Herrenhausen Gardens

Herrenhausen Gardens in Hannover consists of the Great Garden, the Berggarten, Georgengarten and Guelph Garden, exemplifying the most important styles of garden design. The Great Garden was begun in 1666 and was laid out in its present form under Electress Sophie between 1696 and 1714. It is one of the very few baroque gardens in Europe whose basic structure remains largely intact. The grotto by Niki de Saint Phalle in the Great Garden is open to the public all year round, while the 'Small Festival', international fireworks competition, concerts and theatre are held in the gardens in the summer. Read more

Better than GPS: the 'red thread'

The 'red thread' in Hannover – the best way to explore the city for yourself. This 4.2km red line is painted onto the pavement and links 36 places of interest in the city centre. The 'red thread' helps you to find your bearings and paves the way for a sightseeing tour of your own creation. There's also a handy accompanying brochure which helps you get more out of the route and tells you everything you need to know – as well as the odd amusing anecdote – about all the attractions.

Seven themed lands in one: Hannover Zoo

The perfect destination for the whole family, Hannover's zoo is the most spectacular in Germany. It takes visitors on a fascinating excursion into the animal kingdom. The zoo has 2,300 inhabitants in seven exciting and elaborately designed themed worlds: immerse yourself in the wilds of Canada, which includes a breathtaking recreated landscape for polar bears, or take a boat trip on the Zambezi river. Alternatively, you can visit an Indian Jungle Palace, captivating Gorilla Mountain, the Australian Outback, Meyers Farm in Lower Saxony or the Mollywoop children's land. There are also up to 29 daily shows and feedings. Read more

Deftly drawn strokes: the Wilhelm Busch Museum

Over the decades, the Wilhelm Busch Museum – the German Museum for Caricature and Critical Drawing – has established a reputation for its humorous, ironic and satirical works.

Founded in 1937, it has displayed the works of Wilhelm Busch alongside similar artists past and present since 1950. The museum is renowned for its successful acquisitions policy and highly regarded exhibitions. Hannover is the only place in the world where the oeuvre of Wilhelm Busch can be studied in such detail, while more than 35,000 works document the history of caricature from its origins in around 1600 through to the present day.

Spotlight on innovation: Hannover Exhibition Centre and EXPO 2000

With 496,000m² of exhibition space, 58,000m² of outdoor grounds, and 27 halls and pavilions, Hannover has the biggest exhibition centre in the world. In addition to its distinctive halls, the 35-room Convention Centre has glass-panelled corridors as well as a variety of green areas and 'chill-out' zones, fostering a relaxed yet productive atmosphere. The options for hosting events are truly exceptional: the exhibition halls can be used in numerous configurations, as can the conference halls. The outdoor space provides the ideal setting for innovative exhibition concepts and creative ideas, and the EXPO pavilions are perfect for hosting more unusual events.

Mediterranean flair in Germany's north: Lake Maschsee

Covering around 800,000 square metres, Lake Maschsee is one of the most popular destinations for a day out in Hannover. Dug out between 1934 and 1936, the man-made lake attracts walkers, cyclists and joggers to its shores. As the venue for regattas and the annual dragon-boat racing, it is also popular with people who enjoy watersports and a host of other leisure activities. The lake has plenty on offer, even for visitors who aren't too keen on getting wet – there are several passenger boats offering trips and the Maschsee Festival is one of the highlights of the festival season attracting more than a million visitors every year.

Civic splendour under a lofty dome: the New Town Hall

"All paid for in cash, your majesty" announced the chief city clerk Heinrich Tramm with great pride when the New Town Hall was officially opened by Emperor William II in 1913. Hannover paid more than ten million Marks back then for this magnificent construction built on 6,026 beechwood posts. In the hall beneath the almost 100m high dome there are four models depicting Hannover in the Middle Ages, 1939, 1945 and the present day – a firm favourite with visitors. The sloping elevator up to the dome is one of a kind: it sets off vertically and then changes its course to an angle of 17 degrees. From this vantage point you can enjoy fabulous views out over the city.

Kestnergesellschaft

The Kestnergesellschaft in Hannover is one of Germany's biggest and best-known community art galleries.

The contemporary visual landscape, which includes not only fine arts but also architecture, fashion and design, is as central to the Kestnergesellschaft as current music and literature or the theoretical teachings of philosophy and the humanities. Through its exhibitions, accompanying catalogues and guided tours, the gallery presents contemporary art and theoretical movements with an exacting, dynamic approach and at an international level.

Opening times:

Friday-Wednesday & public holidays 11am-6pm, Thursday 11am-8pm

Herrenhausen Palace Museum

Discover the pinnacle of garden design and compelling history at this mesmerising palace in Hannover.

In summer 2013 the new Herrenhausen Palace Museum in Hannover, a project that was funded by the Lower Saxony regional government, opened its doors to the public. The major exhibition, 'Palaces and Gardens of Herrenhausen – from the baroque to the modern day', provides an entertaining insight into the many facets of the palace and gardens of Herrenhausen.